The Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s fourth-quarter survey of its members found some fear that sales revenues were going to fall.

“The number of Iowa business leaders concerned about lower sales revenue next quarter stood out,” said Mike Ralston, ABI president. “Most of our members, about half of whom are manufacturers, traditionally have slower fourth quarters. But this appears to be beyond seasonal.”

A third of respondents said they expect lower sales revenue in the next quarter. Sales expectations were down 24% compared with a year ago.

Among the other findings: 
– 47% of survey respondents expect sales to expand over the next year. 40% expect sales to stay the same.

– 33% of survey respondents expect the number of employees in their business to grow during the fourth quarter. Another 53% expect the number to stay the same.

– 60% of survey respondents plan to make capital expenditures in the fourth quarter, compared with 70% in the third quarter.

– Top concerns were lower sales, labor shortages and tariffs.